“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.” - John 17:20
John chapter 17 is the longest recorded prayer of our Lord. In this precious chapter of God's Word, we find our Lord personally addressing His Father about matters that weighed heavily on our Savior's heart. Most of His intercession was for His disciples. Yet in verse 20, His focus widens to include us. In John 17:20, Jesus said, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.”
I am glad that our Lord saw beyond the immediate needs of His disciples. He realized that many would believe in Him through their testimony. Our Lord had invested greatly in the lives of His disciples. Now that Jesus was facing the cross, He knew that it would soon be time for them to minister on their own. The Holy Spirit would be sent to assist them in their ministry.
Yet the message of the Gospel went forth by these men. It spread throughout the local region and impacted many lives across a vast area. Over time, this message would be passed from generation to generation, nationality to nationality, person to person --- until now. Those of us who have experienced new life in Christ are expected to share this message with those around us so that generations to come with be transformed by the same Gospel.
Jesus didn't end His prayer by focusing only on His disciples. Instead, He said, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.” He prayed for those who would believe on Him through their word. That included the people who got saved in the first century church. It also includes those of us who have been saved in the twenty-first century church.
Just think about it. Before He even went to the cross, Jesus thought of us. Knowing that the Gospel would change lives for decades, even centuries later, He had every believer on His heart. He still does today.
There are certain people I pray for on a consistent basis. These individuals are on my mind. Some of them are family members. Others are members of my church. A few are old classmates from school. I intercede for some of my Facebook friends. When I pray, I take the needs of these individuals to the throne of grace. God hears and answers my feeble prayers.
I am glad when someone says that they are praying for me. I am not sure how many people pray for me. The Lord knows. Yet it is comforting to know that somewhere a precious saint is mentioning my name to the Father.
It is reassuring to know that Jesus prayed for me in John chapter 17. Yet it is even more thrilling to know that Jesus is praying for me right now. Romans 8:34 teaches us, “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” Right now, Jesus is at the right hand of God. He is talking with His Father on our behalf.
If you want a job with a company, it helps to know someone in the management of that company, who can put in a good word for you in the hiring process. Right now, we have Someone up on high who is putting in a word for us. While the world brags about “friends in low places,” we have a Friend in the highest of places. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, speaks on our behalf to the Father.
I was on His heart as He prayed in John chapter 17. I am still on His heart all these years later. I am thankful for the fact that Jesus prayed for me.
I am grateful that He is praying for me right now!
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